The team behind the scenes here at OrangeLeaders has something brewing for you guys. It’s big….really big. And you’re about to get the inside scoop. Reggie Joiner is going to be unpacking this all a little more during a web cast next week (more details on that a little later), but for our loyal readers, here’s what’s coming your way:

BIG CHANGE #1 – If you subscribe to the leadership development curriculum here on OrangeLeaders.com, then be on the lookout for a name change. This resource is turning into an even better and more streamlined (read “WAY EASIER FOR YOU TO USE”) set of tools called “YouLead” and will even get a new home at www.YouLeadOrange.com (going live on October 1). The October materials for OrangeLeaders are already in the new YouLead format, so be sure to check them out by logging into your OrangeLeaders account. To get more acquainted with YouLead, check out this good stuff right here.

BIG CHANGE #2 – OrangeLeaders.com (yes…this site right here) is doing a complete 180 and becoming a completely FREE resource for all leaders. Yep…we said FREE! Check out the list of stuff we’re planning to make available for you guys….

• Orange-apedia (A listing of our most popular discussion topics with the content provided and updated by YOU – REAL leaders who are REALLY implementing the Orange strategy)
• Shared resources – A place for you to upload and share the resources you’ve created for other leaders to be able to access and use in their environments
• “Real Ministry” video series – We’ll follow four different churches through their journey of wins, challenges and questions about going Orange in their organization.
• and plenty more…

When is this all happening? October 1. Yep….it’s right around the corner!

WHAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WOULD BE HELPFUL FOR YOU TO HAVE ACCESS TO ON ORANGELEADERS.COM?

Over the past year I’ve heard Reggie Joiner speak a few times about the importance of “writing a better story”–a concept Donald Miller shares in “Blue Like Jazz”. This whole idea has really stuck with me, and the more I think about it, the more I’m challenged by its implications.

You’ve likely heard the statistics around the number of students walking away from their faith both during and after high school. More is being written everyday on the subject. The more I reflect on what I see in the lives of students, the more I’m convinced the issue often boils down to one major thing: Most of the adults students know who have chosen to follow Jesus live boring lives, so why would they feel compelled to do the same? The story of the lives of the average Christ follower they see are predictable, safe, and overall, boring.

This challenges me in 3 ways. I’ll share the first way today.

1) As a dad

When I look at my life, does it tell a story of an exciting journey with Christ that is so compelling that my sons couldn’t think of doing anything else with their lives? Is there adventure, risk, deep relationship, and real evidence of God at work?

Have you read or heard anything about this concept of “writing a better story” for the generation watching what we do even more than listening to what we say? What books, articles or thoughts around this idea have stuck with you? Check back Friday for more on how this plays out as a leader. (flickr photo by jm3)